Israelis Favor Normalization with Saudi Arabia Amid Trump's Diplomatic Push

As President Donald Trump concludes his inaugural diplomatic journey to West Asia, a new poll reveals that 61% of Israelis are in favor of normalizing ties with Saudi Arabia and expanding the Abraham Accords. The survey, released shortly before Trump's remarks at an investment summit in Riyadh, underscores a growing sentiment among the Israeli public towards strengthening relations with the kingdom.

Support for Normalization
The poll shows that 61% of respondents support the normalization of ties with Saudi Arabia, while only 4.7% oppose it. The remaining 33.7% of participants expressed neutrality on the issue. Notably, 67% believe that establishing relations with Saudi Arabia would enhance Israel's security and economic standing while also mitigating the influence of Iran in the region. Conversely, 16% of those surveyed feel that such normalization would have little to no effect on Israel's economy or security.

This shift in public opinion aligns with Trump's vision, as he expressed his desire for Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords, a series of agreements aimed at fostering peace and cooperation between Israel and Arab nations.

Gaza Occupation's Impact
The poll also reveals a nuanced perspective on the Israeli occupation of Gaza and its implications for diplomatic relations. A substantial 53% of Israelis believe that maintaining control over Gaza would hinder efforts to reach an agreement with Saudi Arabia. In contrast, only 12.8% feel that occupying Gaza would not negatively affect these diplomatic efforts, while 34.8% assert that control over Gaza would neither aid nor hinder normalization with Saudi Arabia.

Support for U.S. Initiatives
Additionally, the survey highlighted that 68.9% of Israelis back a Trump-led initiative aimed at securing the return of Israeli hostages and forming a U.S.-led coalition against Iran. Just 9.7% opposed this initiative, with 21.5% remaining neutral.

Conclusion
The results of this poll reflect a significant shift in Israeli public sentiment towards establishing diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia, driven by the potential benefits for security and economic stability. As President Trump advocates for deeper cooperation and a united front against regional threats, the unfolding dynamics between Israel and Saudi Arabia could shape the future of Middle Eastern geopolitics.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops and its implications unfold across the region.